Functional Evaluation of Olfactory Pathways in Living <em>Xenopus</em> Tadpoles

Beatrice Terni; Paolo Pacciolla; Margalida Perell&#243;; Artur Llobet

doi:10.3791/58028

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Neuroscience

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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

Functional Evaluation of Olfactory Pathways in Living Xenopus Tadpoles

生きているアフリカツメガエルのオタマジャクシ嗅覚経路の機能評価

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07:33 min

December 11, 2018

DOI: 10.3791/58028-v

Beatrice Terni*^1,2,3, Paolo Pacciolla*^1,2,3, Margalida Perelló^1,2,3, Artur Llobet^1,2,3

¹Laboratory of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL),L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, ²Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona,L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, ³Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona,L'Hospitalet de Llobregat

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Overview

This article presents a methodological framework for investigating the olfactory processing in Xenopus tadpoles, a valuable model for in vivo studies of neurobiology. The study includes protocols for assessing olfactory pathways in normal and injured conditions, providing insights into the functional dynamics of the nervous system.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neurobiology
Olfactory processing
In vivo imaging

Background

Xenopus tadpoles provide a unique model to study the nervous system.
The ability to visualize and manipulate biological responses in live specimens is crucial for understanding neuronal functions.
Olfactory pathways play a significant role in behavioral responses to stimuli.
Investigating these pathways can reveal insights into synaptic alterations and injury responses.

Purpose of Study

To describe methodologies for evaluating olfactory information processing in live Xenopus tadpoles.
To establish approaches for studying presynaptic terminal functions in vivo.
To assess behavioral responses under normal and injured scenarios.

Methods Used

In vivo imaging of Xenopus tadpoles was employed to visualize olfactory processing.
Tadpoles were subjected to nerve transection and fluorescence imaging techniques.
Protocols included anesthetization, dye injection, and behavioral tracking.
These methods enabled real-time observation of olfactory-guided behavior.
Recovery from anesthesia and maintenance of tadpole viability were essential aspects of the experimental design.

Main Results

Successful visualization of fluorescence in the olfactory bulb was achieved following dye injection.
Behavioral experiments indicated that tadpoles demonstrated positive tropism towards odorant solutions.
Quantitative analysis of motion confirmed the ability of tadpoles to detect olfactory stimuli based on proximity and response times.
Reproducible responses to olfactory stimuli suggest robust methodologies for exploring synaptic changes post-injury.

Conclusions

This study establishes techniques for investigating olfactory information processing in Xenopus tadpoles.
The methodologies pave the way for future neurobiological research, especially in contexts of injury and recovery.
Findings may enhance the understanding of neuronal mechanisms and neural plasticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using Xenopus tadpoles for neurobiological studies?

Xenopus tadpoles offer a transparent body plan and accessible nervous system, allowing real-time visualizations and manipulations of neuronal activity.

How is the nerve transection procedure implemented?

The procedure involves anesthetizing the tadpole, positioning it under a microscope, and carefully transecting the olfactory nerves to suppress odorant information.

What types of data or outcomes are obtained from this method?

This method allows for the quantification of behavioral responses, such as positive tropism towards odorants and visualization of neural pathways through imaging techniques.

How can the method be adapted for other sensory systems?

While focused on olfaction, similar imaging and behavioral testing protocols can be adapted for other sensory modalities in Xenopus or potentially other transparent models.

Are there any limitations to using this model?

Potential limitations include the specificity of findings to the xenopus model and the challenges in translating results to more complex vertebrate systems.

What insights does this study provide about synaptic properties after injury?

The methodologies allow researchers to explore synaptic alterations and recovery mechanisms following nerve transection, contributing to understanding of injury responses.

アフリカツメガエルのオタマジャクシは、体内の神経系の機能を調査するためのユニークなプラットフォームを提供しています。リビングに嗅覚情報処理を評価する方法論について述べるアフリカツメガエル幼生通常飼育条件や外傷後。

この方法は、生体内でシナプス前末端がどのように機能するのかといった神経生物学分野の重要な質問に答えるのに役立つ。この一連の技術の主な利点は、ゼノプスオタマジャクシを動物モデルとして使用する嗅覚経路の機能を主張する無料のアプローチを示していることです。この手順を実証することは、私、ベアトリス・テルニ、パオロ・パッチョラです。

0.02%MS2 22麻酔液中のセルロース定性的なフィルターペーパーの2枚を湿潤し、解剖スコープの下に置くことによって、セクションの手順を開始します。その後、タンクからオタマジャクシを選び、麻酔液の皿に浸します。オタマジャクシは2〜4分以内に泳ぐのをやめるべきです。

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神経科学問題 142 オタマジャクシアフリカツメガエルアフリカツメガエルの性カルシウムシナプス嗅覚の受容器ニューロンシナプス前ターミナル